Annette received her Masters in Counseling Psychology in 2003 from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, in Palo Alto California. She has had several careers, including working as a bilingual public school teacher, both with children and adults and currently as a real estate investor.  She also has a vision of creating a revolutionary type of online social hub.  

 

Annette has immersed herself in personal growth for the last 20 years.  She has done retreats at Spirit Rock, Esalen, 1440 Multiversity, the Vipassana center in the Sierra foothills, as well as satsangs and retreats with Adyashanti, Rick Hanson, Pema Chodron and Jennifer Wellwood. She has a regular meditation practice.  She attends Inner Light Ministries in Santa Cruz, founded by Reverend Deborah L. Johnson.   

 

She is a strong believer in the power of creative expression as a form of healing and growing!  She is a singer, songwriter & keyboard player, has dabbled in drawing and painting and has been a dancer in the Santa Cruz/Bay Area, Ecstatic Dance community for the last 25 years.  

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She has spent an abundant amount of time in natural & wild places, hiking, backpacking, sitting in awe and wonder and on Vision Fasts, both as a participant and leader.  

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Holistic well-being through optimal nutrition, deep sleep & fitness are high priorities for Annette.  

 

Some of her greatest values are loving-kindness, compassion, trust, safety, acceptance, honesty, integrity, transparency, authenticity, respect, cooperation and consistency

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EDUCATION, TRAINING AND LIFE EXPERIENCE:

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HIGHER EDUCATION:  

Degree:  BA in Spanish Language 1991 - University of California at Davis

Degree:  Graduate degree in multiple subject bilingual teaching 1993 - University of California at Santa Cruz
Degree: Master's in Counseling Psychology 2003 - The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, Ca.
 
THERAPY MODALITY TRAINING:  
Externship in EFT:  Emotionally Focused Therapy - 2021
PACT:  Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy - 2016/17 - Level 1 with Stan Tatkin

Current training - 2023 - NARM - The Neuro Affective Relational Model

 

LIFE EXPERIENCE - PERSONAL TRAIINING, WORKSHOPS & RETREATS:  
NVC - Non-Violent Communication workshops
Participation in Network for a New Culture & HAI - The Human Awareness Institute - Organizations focused on

building a culture based on healthy communication, transparency, trust, authenticity, vulnerability and safety.
Re-evaluation Counseling (Co-Counseling) 
Landmark Education